Item: BMW 4 Series Coupé
Rating: 5
Author: What Car? Team

This is the cheapest way into 4 Series ownership and proves quick enough if you’re prepared to work it fairly hard. Our pick of the range.


420i xDrive

Coupe

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

4 SERIES

M Sport trim comes with plenty of standard goodies, including 18in alloys, leather seats (heated in the front), cruise control and climate control. We’d recommend forking out extra for adjustable lumbar support, but none of the option packs is exactly a ‘must have’.

M Sport

420i M Sport 2dr Step Auto

420i-m-sport-2dr-step-auto

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

Prices start slightly above the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5</a>, but that’s partly because the 4 Series is available only in relatively high-end trims. Indeed, if you’re looking at equivalently specced versions of the 4 Series, A5 and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17151">Mercedes C-Class Coupé</a>, they all have very similar brochure prices.

Always check to see how much you can save over at our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">deals section</a>, of course, because all three cars are usually available with significant discounts.

If you’re a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/company-car-tax-bands/n1255">company car driver</a>, the 420d diesel will cost you the least in monthly salary sacrifices and net you the most miles to the gallon. However, the 420i petrol is a cheaper option for those buying with cash or on <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/pcp-or-hp-which-car-finance-option-makes-most-sense/n1163">PCP finance</a>, and it’s also <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/depreciation-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-avoid-it/n1122">predicted to hold on to its value</a> better. Indeed, the 4 Series is also predicted to depreciate more slowly than both of its main rivals.

The range kicks off with sporty M Sport trim, which comes with plenty of standard goodies, including 18in alloys, leather seats (heated in the front), cruise control and three-zone climate control. As we mentioned earlier, we’d recommend forking out extra for adjustable lumbar support, but none of the option packs is exactly a ‘must have’.

Upgrade to M Sport Pro Edition and you’ll get 19in alloys, sportier styling, tinted windows and the M Sport Pro Package we mentioned earlier. The range-topping M440i is very similarly equipped to the M Sport Pro Edition but, of course, you get that mighty six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet.

The 4 Series was too new to feature in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2020-what-car-reliability-survey-brands/n20069">2020 What Car? Reliability survey</a>, but BMW as a brand finished in ninth place (out of 31 brands) in the overall manufacturer league table. That’s above every other premium brand apart from Lexus.

The 4 Series has&nbsp;yet to be&nbsp;tested by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-euro-ncap-and-how-does-it-work/n14328">Euro NCAP</a>, but we suspect it would perform very well. That’s because, as we mentioned earlier, the 4 series is closely related to the 3 Series saloon and that car scored the full five-star rating when tested. As such, it has&nbsp;plenty of safety kit as standard, including&nbsp;automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning – features designed to stop you from getting into an accident in the first place. Buyers can also optionally add the Driving Assistant Professional pack (which comes as part of the Technology Plus Pack), which features adaptive cruise control, a more advanced lane-keeping assistant, a front cross-traffic alert system and an automatic speed limit assist.&nbsp;

For now, the most powerful of the 4 Series range is the M440i. This version has a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre petrol engine that pumps out 369bhp, which is fed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. If you’re thinking that sounds like a recipe for some explosive acceleration, you’d be absolutely right. Indeed, the M440i can hit 62mph from a standstill in just 4.5sec – quicker than the rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi S5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/saloon/review/n70">Mercedes C43 AMG</a>. It also feels pleasingly potent from low down in the rev range, although it’s more than happy to keep singing away to the red line.&nbsp;

For those who don’t need all that muscle, there’s the entry-level, rear-wheel drive 181bhp 420i petrol, which is expected to be the best seller. 0-62mph takes 7.5sec; it’s punchy enough when you’re driving gently, but you’ll need to work it rather hard before it feels brisk. Still, that’s in keeping with the character of a sporty coupé, and it’s quick enough to be fun, which is why it’s our pick. You can opt for a more powerful version of this engine, dubbed 430i, but we’re yet to try it.

Those racking up serious miles might want to consider the 420d. While this brings a small lift in horsepower, it provides far more oomph below 3000rpm. 0-62mph takes a swifter 7.1sec and the extra low-down urgency makes B road overtakes a cinch. Four-wheel drive ‘xDrive’ versions are available, but unnecessary unless you’re expecting plenty of snow.&nbsp;

Every 4 Series has ‘variable’ steering as standard, and this certainly avoids lots of excessive arm-twirling at town speeds and when parking. However, at faster speeds, even tiny steering inputs have a big say on your direction, and this can make the 4 Series feel a little flighty and nervous. It’s something you get used to, though, and can be mitigated by switching to its Sport setting. This adds more weight to the steering and, in turn, gives you more confidence.

The 4 Series has stiffer suspension than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">BMW 3 Series</a>, and its minimal body lean helps it scythe through corners more enthusiastically than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17151">Mercedes C-Class</a> coupés. The M440i goes one step further, adding M Sport adaptive suspension as standard. This is also available as an option on other models (as part of the M Sport Pro package) and it helps keep the car’s body incredibly flat and stable through corners. Indeed, the M440i makes the Audi S5 feel distinctly wallowy.

Adaptive suspension also gives the 4 Series an agreeably split personality. From behaving like a hardcore sports car in its firmest mode, switch it to ‘Comfort’ and the ride becomes more pliant than you might imagine. Sure, it’s still firmer than the A5, but thanks to its excellent damping there’s no crashing or shuddering over broken surfaces, like there sometimes is in the S5 and C43 AMG. Models without adaptive suspension do a good job in that regard, too, but ride more firmly overall.&nbsp;

When it comes to how the engines behave, the 420i is smooth and quiet enough when you’re pottering around, with a more rorty edge when pushed hard, and while the 420d is prone to a bit more vibration through the steering wheel at idle, it’s pretty refined for a diesel and runs the A5’s 40 TDI engine close. It also has mild hybrid technology to give it near-instantaneous stop/start and the ability to coast with its engine switched off. Meanwhile, the noise of the M440i’s six-cylinder engine when you use the lower reaches of the accelerator pedal is certainly far more tuneful than the S5's diesel bellow.

There’s some tyre noise at motorway&nbsp;speeds and a little more wind noise than you'll hear in the 3 Series. You can also hear the suspension working away along bumpy roads, so overall the 4 Series isn’t as quiet to travel in as the A5.

OUR PICK

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

http://example.com

420i

420i-xdrive

This fuel-sipping diesel feels more muscular than the 420i from low revs and is boosted by mild hybrid technology. Pricier to buy than the petrol and not as keen to rev, though.

420d MHT

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430i [245]

430i-245

430d xDrive MHT

430d-xdrive-mht

M440d xDrive MHT

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M440i xDrive MHT

m440i-xdrive-mht

Once upon a time, the BMW 4 Series was really just a three-door version of the uber-popular 3 Series, albeit with a slightly swoopier roofline. And that was fine, except you couldn’t escape the feeling that you were paying more money for what was ultimately less car.

But this latest version is different. Sure, it’s still based on the same underpinnings as its more sensibly shaped saloon sibling, but you’d never guess it from the styling. Indeed, the 4 Series looks quite different from anything else in BMW’s range, mainly thanks to a face that (let’s be honest) not everyone will love.

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kum2KSuVyCk"></iframe>

Then again, surely that’s better than something bland that elicits a series of ‘mehs’ from your friends and family? Okay, some might think <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> has accidentally fitted the front grille from one of its much larger models, but others will love it. And remember, BMW has a history of making cars that look controversial when they first appear but somehow get prettier as the years go by.

The differences compared with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">3 Series</a> are more than skin deep, too. BMW has widened the rear of the car and lowered the centre of gravity, plus it has also retuned the suspension and stiffened the chassis, all of which should help make the 4 Series even more agile and capable through the corners.

But even if the BMW 4 Series does enough to justify its price premium over the 3 Series, how does it compare to other coupés, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17151">Mercedes C-Class Coupé</a>? Click through to the next page to start reading our detailed review.

And when you’re finished researching, don’t forget to click through to our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying Service</a> to find out how much you could save on all manner of new cars, including <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/deals">deals on the BMW 4 Series</a>.

If there’s one area that the 4 Series does feel just like a 3 Series it’s in here. The driving position, for example, is near enough identical, as are the dashboard and the infotainment system.

But in many ways this is great news. Okay, you could be behind the wheel of an executive saloon, but a very good one, with a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat (as long as you add optional adjustable lumbar support) and lots of adjustment. If you’re after something vaguely sporty, you’ll probably appreciate the fact you sit closer to the road than in an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5</a>, too.

True, interior quality isn’t quite up there with an A5, but the margins are small. Build quality is first rate and better than in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17151">C-Class Coupe</a>; it’s only the odd bit of hard plastic and some silver-painted buttons on the dashboard that let the side down a little.&nbsp;

The infotainment system is truly brilliant, though. All versions get a 10.3in display that you can either use as a touchscreen or operate by twisting and pressing a rotary controller between the front seats. The latter method is much less distracting while you’re driving and, combined with a super intuitive operating system, is one of the main reasons we prefer the 4 Series’ infotainment system to the A5’s.

All trims come with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> smartphone mirroring, along with a DAB radio and a built-in sat-nav. The optional Technology Pack adds an upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging and a gimmicky gesture control function for the infotainment system.&nbsp;

Great to drive, smart inside and roomier than you might imagine.&nbsp;

BMW 4 Series Coupe

Although no one buys a two-door coupé primarily for its practicality, the chances are you occasionally need four seats and a usable boot. Otherwise you’d probably be looking at a thoroughbred sports car – perhaps an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/alpine/a110/coupe/review/n185">Alpine A110</a> or a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayman/coupe/review/n17361">Porsche Cayman</a>.

As you might expect, the 4 Series is suitably roomy in the front so you’re unlikely to have any issues with head or leg room. Storage space is impressive, too, thanks to a big glovebox and a useful cubby under the centre armrest. You also get partitioned door bins that help prevent loose items from rolling around.

Getting into the rear seats involves squeezing through a relatively narrow gap, but that’s the same in all three door coupés (if you want rear doors you’ll have to wait for the forthcoming Gran Coupé model). When you’re in, you’ll actually find plenty of leg room, and although taller adults will need to cower slightly or put up with their head resting on the ceiling, a couple of six-footers will be comfortable enough in the back as long as the journey isn’t too long.

The 4 Series has a slightly smaller boot than its two main rivals, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a5/coupe/review/n17191">Audi A5</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/coupe/review/n17151">Mercedes C-Class Coupé</a>. There’s still enough space for a set of golf clubs or a small pushchair, though, and you can fold down the rear seats when you need to carry longer loads. The boot opening is quite small compared with the Audi A5’s.

m-sport

Upgrade to M Sport Pro Edition and you’ll get 19in alloys, sportier styling, tinted windows and the M Sport Pro Package. The range-topping M440i is very similarly equipped to the M Sport Pro Edition but, of course, you get that mighty six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet.



M Sport Pro Edition

m-sport-pro-edition

M440d

m440d

4-series

The BMW 4 Series is great to drive, smart inside and roomier than you might imagine. With its powerful engine the M440i is great fun, but the 420i strikes the best balance between performance and running costs while still impressing on a twisty road.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Good balance between ride and handling</li> <li>Excellent build quality</li> <li>Decent practicality</li> <li>Sophisticated interior</li></ul>

Coupés are all about style, but while practicality undoubtedly takes a back seat to aesthetics, these cars still need to be easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s this that distinguishes a coupé from an out-and-out sports car.

Fortunately, there’s a wide range of style-focused models available, and you don’t even need to spend silly money to buy or run one.

For a blend of&nbsp;rock-solid resale values, punchy engines and an interior to die for,&nbsp;the Audi TT is a brilliant option. But the Mercedes CLA offers plenty of style and substance to match, while the Aston Martin DB11 will give you serious performance.

BMW 4 Series Coupé review

Introduction

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